The Philadelphia 76ers have made a strategic addition to their roster by signing forward Guerschon Yabusele to a one-year, $2.1 million deal. The move aims to bolster the team’s frontcourt as they look to make a serious push in the upcoming NBA season.
Yabusele, a 6-foot-8, 260-pound forward, brings a wealth of international and NBA experience to the table. Selected 16th overall by the Boston Celtics in the 2016 NBA Draft, Yabusele played two seasons with the Celtics before being waived in the summer of 2019. His NBA journey may have been brief, but Yabusele has since carved out a solid career overseas.
From the NBA to International Success
Following his release from the Celtics, Yabusele spent a season in China, honing his skills and adapting to different styles of play. He later joined ASVEL in France, a team owned by NBA Hall of Famer Tony Parker, where he played parts of two seasons. Yabusele then moved to Real Madrid in the summer of 2021, one of the premier basketball clubs in Europe, and played a significant role in their successes.
Perhaps one of Yabusele’s most notable achievements came during his tenure with Real Madrid. He was instrumental in their EuroLeague title win in 2023 and helped the team reach the EuroLeague's final four in each season of his stay. His performance in Europe demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest levels of international basketball.
Olympic Glory
Yabusele also made a significant impact on the international stage, contributing to France’s silver medal run at the Tokyo Olympics. His scoring was crucial in key games, with standout performances including 22 points against Canada, 17 points against Germany, and 20 points against the United States. He was exceptionally efficient, hitting 16 of his 24 attempts (66.7%) from beyond the arc and shooting 58.9% overall during the tournament.
A Promising Addition
In his last season with Real Madrid, Yabusele averaged 9.6 points per game and was effective from long range, shooting 43% from three-point distance on 2.6 attempts per game. His offensive versatility and defensive capabilities make him a valuable asset for the 76ers, providing more robust rotation options for coach Doc Rivers.
The 76ers have been busy this offseason, retaining key free agents Kelly Oubre and Kyle Lowry while securing a four-year maximum contract for Paul George. Additionally, the team has added talented players such as Caleb Martin, Andre Drummond, and Eric Gordon to their lineup. With Yabusele joining the mix, the 76ers have a deeper and more versatile roster, potentially positioning themselves as a strong contender in the Eastern Conference.
Yabusele’s journey from the NBA to international success and his return to the NBA with the 76ers underscores his resilience and determination. His diverse experiences have equipped him with a unique skill set that can contribute significantly to the 76ers’ aspirations this season.
As the team prepares for the upcoming season, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Yabusele integrates into the rotation and impacts the team’s dynamics. His proven track record in high-stakes games, both in Europe and on the international stage, suggests he is more than ready for this next chapter in his career.